The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office today released limited information about the arrest of the man who served in a top leadership position.
"Sheriff Greg Champagne announces the arrest of former St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Rodney Madere, Jr.," Sergeant Jenni A. Barrette said in a news release.
She said they arrested Madere this afternoon on an outstanding warrant.
"He was booked at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Killona and released upon the posting of a $100,000.00 bond."
Barrette did not share details of the alleged scheme that led to the probe, resignation and arrest of the chief deputy. The charges, however, give some indication of what allegedly happened.
"Rodney Madere, Jr. has been charged with LRS 14:134.3-Abuse of Office (1 count), LRS 14:67-Theft Over $25,000 (1 count), LRS 14:130.1-Obstruction of Justice (1 count), and LRS 14:138-Public Payroll Fraud (26 counts)."
As the chief deputy, Madere was number two in command below only the sheriff in the command structure.
He supervised the sheriff's office employees and staff.
"The allegations involve the misappropriation/misuse of Sheriff’s Office resources, equipment, and manpower," Barrette said.
The charges suggest he was allegedly using the sheriff's office personelle to perform private work, but paying them through the sheriff's office.
Two other suspects also face charges:
Derek Pertuis has been charged with LRS 14:134.3-Abuse of Office (1 count), LRS 14:67-Theft Over $25,000 (1 count), and LRS 14:138 Public Payroll Fraud (26 counts). Pertuis was terminated from the sheriff’s office in March 2024.
Zain Stillinger has been charged with LRS 14:134.3-Abuse of Office (1 count), LRS 14:67-Theft Over $25,000 (1 count), and LRS 14:138-Public Payroll Fraud (26 counts). Stillinger resigned from the sheriff’s office in February 2024 while under investigation.
Madere also resigned from the sheriff’s office while under investigation.
